D-backs launch $100,000 School Challenge

Twenty local K-12 schools will earn $5,000 each for improvements in the classroom or campus

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PHOENIX - The Arizona Diamondbacks announced today the launch of the “D-backs $100,000 School Challenge,” presented by the University of Phoenix. Twenty local area schools will receive $5,000 each from the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation to improve their school or classroom, as teachers and faculty are encouraged to “make their best pitch” on why they deserve to receive this important funding.

“There’s nothing more important than education in our community and we realize that schools need money now more than ever,” said D-backs’ President and CEO Derrick Hall. “We are fortunate to have such an incredible partner like the University of Phoenix that realizes the importance of education and the value of a program like this, which can make a significant impact on students and schools across the Valley.”

Submissions from teachers and faculty will be accepted until April 15, 2012 at dbacks.com/schoolchallenge The program is open to all Arizona public, private, and nonprofit charter schools, Grades K-12, with up to $100,000 in grants to be distributed in one of four categories: educational programs, innovation and technology, nutrition and fitness and school/campus improvements.

“We are truly honored to be involved in a program that will directly benefit the youth of Phoenix in such an important way,” said University of Phoenix President Dr. Bill Pepicello. “We all know how tight budgets are in our schools today and, therefore, how critical it is for Arizona’s organizations to ‘step up to the plate.’ We are proud to join the Arizona Diamondbacks in that effort.”

The $100,000 School Challenge is part of the organization’s overall charitable efforts and next month, the team and its charitable arm, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, will surpass $30 million in combined donations since their inception in 1998, including more than $4 million in 2011.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.